Tourism group recognizes hospitality excellence

Local tourism officials honored three Athens professionals Thursday morning for their roles in promoting the community’s hospitality industry.

The Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau presented the hospitality awards during the organization’s annual meeting held at the Classic Center.

The CVB recognized Athens businessman Ed Benson with the Louis Griffith Hospitality Leadership Award which honors an individual for foresight and exceptional leadership skills in the local hospitality industry. Benson is the former president and CEO of Benson’s Inc., which owns the Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Athens and SpringHill Suites in Oconee County.

CVB officials presented Athens-Clarke Commissioner and AthFest music festival founder Jared Bailey with the Classic Host Award for his role in creating the AthFest Half Marathon last year and his work in promoting AthFest itself.

Tammy Boss a guest service representative with Candlewood Suites in Athens, won the Hospitality H.E.R.O.E.S. of the Year Award, which recognizes a front-line employee who exceeds normal expectations to provide excellent service to visitors and residents.